How to Make Authentic Key Lime Cheesecake

Published May 16, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Desserts by Dennis via YouTube

I grew up eating key lime cheesecake made by my Grandmother, and it has been my favorite dessert ever! I always make this and just put it in my fridge so that I can get a serving whenever I want. It’s a delicious treat that you can serve for snack time or dessert, and you can also enjoy this with your favorite beverage on the side.

If you want to learn how to make this from scratch or are looking for an authentic recipe that you can follow, then you should check out this video tutorial by Desserts by Dennis on YouTube. This is a good treat that has the perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and creaminess, and I’m sure that you’ll love this up to the last bite.

Ingredients for Key Lime Cheesecake:

Crust

5 cups of Graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup of sugar
½ tsp of salt
¾ cup of unsalted butter, melted

Filling

3 (8oz each) packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup of sour cream
1 tbsp of cornstarch
1 cup of sugar
Zest of 1 lime
½ cup of lime juice
4 large eggs

How to Make Key Lime Cheesecake:

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F, then lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside. In a medium-sized bowl, add the Graham cracker crumbs, salt, and sugar, then give them a good stir to combine, add the melted butter, and keep mixing until evenly distributed. Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan, then spread it evenly, and press it down the bottom and up the sides firmly.

Step 2

Place it in the preheated oven, then let it bake for about 15 minutes, and then let it cool on the counter while preparing the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar, and keep mixing until smooth. Add the sour cream, cornstarch, and lime zest, then beat for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy, add the lime juice, and keep mixing to combine.

Step 3

Add the eggs and mix them until combined but do not overmix, line the outside of the pan with aluminum foil crimping it nicely, then pour the filling into the pan, and spread it evenly. Place the pan in a large roasting pan, then put it in the oven, and pour boiling water on the sides until halfway up the pan. Allow it to bake for about 75 to 85 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 4

Turn off the oven, and leave the oven door slightly open, then keep the cheesecake in the oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the cheesecake, and let it cool on the counter completely, then cover the pan with plastic wrap. Put it in the refrigerator, and let it chill overnight, then remove the plastic, and carefully unmold the cheesecake. Serve and enjoy!